Auroras Encore surprises field to win Grand National

Auroras Encore sprang a huge surprise in the 166th Grand National as he romped home by nine lengths at Aintree.

The 11-year-old horse, ridden by Ryan Mania, jumped brilliantly throughout the contest as he raced away from the more likely winners of Cappa Bleu and Teaforthree after the last hurdle.

Seabass went off as the 11-2 favourite as Katie Walsh sought to become the first female rider to win the showpiece event. However, he faded and finished a disappointing 13th.

Mania said after the race that he got a "dream ride" round the course, claiming he couldn't believe his luck with how well the horse jumped.

"I couldn't fault the horse. I had a choice of two but I thought I better stay loyal to him. He loved every second of it. He was just class," he continued.

Auroras Encore was largely ignored by punters following a disappointing run of unplaced finishes after a second place in the Scottish National a year ago.

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